Online Bingo

Playing online bingo in the United States can be an exciting and convenient way to enjoy your favorite game without having to visit a real live bingo hall. With real money games available, players can enjoy the thrill of real wagering while they take on fun challenges and try their luck.

Starting Out

Is it Legal to Play Online Bingo in the US?

Online bingo is legal in some US states and illegal in others. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice modified the Wire Act, allowing US states to decide whether to permit bingo as a legal form of gambling.

Some states like New Jersey have laws that make online bingo legal. Other states like Pennsylvania and Connecticut have laws that permit online gambling but do not clearly legalize online bingo. Generally, it's easier to identify states that have expressly outlawed online bingo in their gambling laws. These states include:

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New York
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Although the above states do not allow online bingo, they permit bingo organized as part of charitable gaming in bingo halls.

How Old Do I Need to be to Play Online Bingo in the US?

In states where online bingo is legal, you must be 18 years or older to play. Each state regulates online gaming through its own gambling regulatory authority.

What Kind of Bingo Variants Can I Play?

There are different kinds of bingo variants that you can play online in the U.S. The main difference between these bingo games is the number of balls that are played. The number of balls can increase or decrease your chances of winning.

The fewer balls in play, the higher the odds of winning. Some of the bingo games you can play online include 30-ball bingo, 75-ball bingo, 80-ball bingo, and 90-ball bingo.

Can I play Bingo for Real Money in the US?

Yes, you can play bingo for real money in the U.S. Playing bingo for real money is exciting, as it provides you with hours of entertainment and cash prizes.

You can play bingo online on your mobile phone or computer. The amount of money you win usually depends on the type of bingo game you are playing, your stakes, and your luck.

Do I Have to Play for Real Money?

No, you do not always have to play bingo for real money in the U.S. There are free bingo games you can play with no deposit required. Some casinos in the U.S. offer free online bingo games at various points throughout the day.

These games do not often feature the biggest jackpots, but they allow new online bingo players to try out the game.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Bingo Winnings in the US?

Yes, bingo winnings of more than $1,200 are taxable in the U.S. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the payer of your winnings to deduct 28% of the total for Federal income tax. However, if you fail to provide your Social Security number to the payer, the amount deducted will be 31% of your winnings.

The payer will also provide you with a copy of Form W-G2 to record your winnings to the IRS. This form contains your personal information, the amount of your winnings, and the amount of tax withheld. It is important to report your winnings on time to avoid paying fines and penalties.

What Deposit Options Can I Use?

Banking is an important feature of online gaming, especially when it comes to playing real-money online bingo games. As a bingo player, you will want to deposit and withdraw quickly from your favorite bingo sites without delay. Many online bingo websites have different payment options for depositing into your bingo account. Some of these options include:

Credit and Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard)

This is one of the most common payment options available on online bingo platforms. When you register an account with a bingo site, you will be required to set up your credit and debit cards and make payments. This can be a Visa or Mastercard and you may be asked to save your card details, including the full card numbers and expiry dates.

Credit and debit cards are usually fast, secure, and easy to use when depositing or withdrawing from your bingo account. You should therefore check out the best bingo sites for credit card payments before choosing any.

PayPal

Paypal provides a convenient option if you do not want to provide your banking information directly to the site. You can register your PayPal details when creating your online bingo account.

The bingo site will link your bingo account with your personal PayPal account, thereby making it easy to keep track of all your payments. Using PayPal can be a quick and convenient way to make deposits into your bingo account.

Skrill

This is another e-wallet payment option that is used by most bingo sites in the U.S. Skrill allows you to make secure payments and money transfers on the internet. Once you have registered your Skrill account and synced it with your online bingo account, you can begin to make deposits through the service.

Neteller

Neteller is one of the best deposit options for online bingo games. It is a fast, simple, safe, and reliable way of transferring money online. Many online bingo sites provide this banking option to help you fund and withdraw from your bingo account.

Bank Transfer

Some gamers prefer doing their banking face-to-face to ensure their funds are completely safe and secure. If you belong to this category of gamers, you can use a bank transfer or wire to make all your transactions. A bank transfer is usually a reliable and secure means of depositing funds as it goes directly through your personal banking provider. However, you should know that this payment option sometimes takes up to ten business days to process funds.

Gameplay

What are the Different Bingo Formats that you can play on the internet?

Online bingo games have different patterns that you need to complete in order to win. These patterns come in different shapes and forms and are formed as you daub off the matching numbers on your ticket when announced.

Some patterns are usually easy to form, while others are more difficult and would not show up in the majority of games. The prizes won from a pattern will be determined by how hard it is to form, as well as the number of players that are in the room. Here is a list of popular patterns found in online bingo games:

1 Line

This is simply a single line of numbers and is therefore the easiest to achieve. The direction of this line usually depends on the type of bingo game you are playing. For example, in 75-ball bingo, the line can be in any direction, whether vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. However, in 90-ball bingo, the line can only be horizontal.

2 Lines

The two-line pattern is also popularly used in most bingo games. You can achieve this pattern by forming two lines on the same bingo ticket. The direction of the lines usually depends on the type of bingo you are playing and the direction of the first line.

Full House

This pattern is formed when a player covers every available space on the bingo board. The full house is the final prize and signifies the end of the game. It, therefore, offers a higher reward than the one-line and two-line patterns.

Four Corners

This pattern requires players to complete four spaces on the bingo ticket. It is considered to be one of the simplest patterns as it only requires four numbers to win.

Outer Edge

This pattern is exclusively used in 75-ball bingo as it requires a square ticket. In this game, players are required to mark off 16 numbers on the outer squares of the bingo ticket. It is not as easy as previously mentioned patterns, but it can be used to win a progressive jackpot or other similar prizes.

Letter and Number Patterns

In some games, players can use letters and numbers to form bingo patterns. These are some of the simplest patterns to achieve and they are also easy to understand. Some popular letters are E, H, L, T, Z, and X.

Is Bingo a Game of Skill?

Generally, bingo is considered to be a game of luck and chance. However, you may require a few skills when playing the game in bingo halls. Bingo is known to be a game of probability which players have no control over. The numbers are drawn from a traditional bingo wheel when played in bingo halls.

When it comes to online bingo, the numbers are drawn using a random number generator. There are online bingo rooms that allow you to choose your bingo cards and decide which numbers you need to win.

However, choosing your bingo cards is no different from picking lottery numbers and does not increase your chances of winning.

Notwithstanding, you may need a few skills when playing bingo in bingo halls. One of the most important bingo skills is focus and attention. For you to be a successful bingo player, you must be able to pay close attention to the game from the moment the first number is called.

Players need to have a good sense of hearing, as well as excellent pattern and number recognition when playing traditional bingo. You will need to mark off the numbers on your ticket and shout out Bingo quickly when you win. You can therefore not afford to miss a number when playing in bingo halls.

It is important to note that you may not need to pay close attention when playing bingo online. This is because most bingo sites have auto-daub options that allow you to automatically mark matching numbers as they are announced. This option prevents you from missing out on any prizes that you may win.

Another skill needed when playing bingo is knowing all the rules of the game and how a pattern is formed. Although bingo might be a game of chance, it is essential to still understand the rules of the game to improve your chances of winning.

While it is true that most classic bingo rooms require a simple line, two-line, and full house pattern, many new games have different ways to win. It is therefore necessary to look out for patterns and other winning factors that may lead to a special jackpot.

How are the Bingo Numbers Randomized?

Online bingo sites use Random Number Generators (RNG) controlled by computers to pick out numbers at random. This online tool ensures fairness for all players and prevents bingo sites from manipulating games for extra revenue.

An online bingo site must have a license from the state's gambling regulatory body to have a regularly tested RNG. This licensing allows bingo sites to use RNG which offers a fair outcome in bingo games.

What other Types of Games can I Play in a Casino other than Bingo?

Aside from bingo, there are other types of games you can play in an online casino. Some popular online casino games in the U.S. include:

Online Slots

These are usually the most popular games to play at an online casino. Online slot games come in different forms, including reels, 3D slots, or progressives. Some slot games also have exciting features such as bonuses, free spins, cascading reels, and multipliers. Examples of popular online slots include Buffalo Blitz, Cleopatra, Da Vinci Diamonds, Divine Fortune, Mega Moolah, Raging Rhino, Starburst, and Wheel of Fortune.

Online Table Games

Table games are the second most popular games to play at an online casino in the U.S. There are different variants of table games, including Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Let it Ride, Texas Hold Em, and Pai Gow Poker. Some casinos also offer dice games like craps.

Video Poker

This includes all poker games played on a machine similar to slots. Examples of popular video poker titles in online casinos include Aces and Faces, Bonus Poker, Bonus Poker Deluxe, Deuces Wild, Double Jackpot Poker, Jacks or Better, and Joker Poker.

Specialty Games

These include all games that do not fit in the categories above, including lottery games, keno, and scratch cards. Bingo also falls under this category.

What are the Different Bingo Variants?

There are different types of bingo games you can play online. Some popular bingo variants in the U.S. include:

30-Ball Bingo

This is one of the quickest bingo games to play online and is therefore called speed bingo. The game is particularly appealing to players who want to play bingo as fast as possible. You can easily play and win more than once within an hour because of the small number of balls.

The game has only 30 balls and a three-by-three grid. Each game card contains nine numbers and they fill each square in the grid. It should be noted that this game only rewards the first player to mark all their numbers.

75-Ball Bingo

This is the most popular bingo game in the U.S. This type of bingo contains five rows, five columns, and a total of 25 squares. There is a space in the middle of the card and each of the other 24 squares contains a number. To make the game more exciting, the letters B-I-N-G-O appear at the top of the columns.

The columns are also organized by numbers from a specific range. The B column is for numbers 1-15, I for 16-30, N for 31-45, G for 46-60, and O for 61-75. The first player to get a full house wins the game. You can do this by marking off all the numbers in a row or column. 75-ball bingo allows players to match lines in any direction, whether horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Unlike 90-ball bingo, this game has a wide variety of patterns that may be used to win.

80-Ball Bingo

This game has become very popular on many sites since it was designed to be played online. It has four rows, four columns, and a total of 16 squares. Just like 75-ball bingo, the columns are arranged to contain only numbers from a specific range. The first column is for the numbers 1-20, the second column is for 21-40, the third is for 41-60, and the fourth is for 61-70.

Before starting the game, you are shown a specific pattern that you need to complete to win. The first player to match their card to the required pattern wins the bingo game. 80-ball bingo is particularly interesting because the pattern keeps changing and usually depends on which variation of the game is being played. You can end up matching patterns like vertical lines, horizontal lines, four corners, or even specific letters and numbers.

90-Ball Bingo

This type of bingo contains 90 balls, including three rows and nine columns. The game cards have 15 numbers and five numbers are contained in each column. Also, each column contains numbers from a specified range. The first column is for numbers 1-9, the second column is for numbers 10-19, the third is for numbers 20-29, and so on.

There are usually three rounds and three different prizes awarded to players in this game. The first round is won by the player who matches a single horizontal row on their card. This player wins a prize. The second round is won by the player who completes two horizontal rows. This player also wins a prize that is a little larger than the first prize. In the third round, the largest prize is awarded to the player that achieves a full house and matches all 15 numbers on their game card.

Joker Jackpot Bingo

This is an appealing game to players who love a twist. The game uses cards instead of numbers and contains a three-by-three grid. You will usually receive nine cards from a 54-card deck. The deck has 52 standard cards and two jokers. There are two different prizes awarded to players who win this game. The first prize is awarded to the player who forms a 'J' pattern with five cards. The second prize is for the player who achieves a full house.

What is the Best Bingo Variant?

What qualifies as the "best" bingo variant usually depends on your preference and the card you hold. Some players prefer 30-ball bingo because it is simple to understand and easy to win. This bingo offers players quick-fire gameplay and provides the opportunity to win big cash prizes within a short time.

If you are looking to receive huge winnings, you can opt for the 75-ball bingo which offers bigger jackpots than other variants. Although the game awards only one winner, it provides additional prizes for completing patterns like four corners. In addition, gamers who love winning multiple prizes may consider 90-ball bingo the best. The game offers three different prizes for players and a jackpot prize is also available to those who achieve the full house.

Despite not being as popular as the 75 and 90-ball versions, 80-ball bingo has become the favorite of many online bingo players. You may consider this game the best bingo variant if you love a unique twist of online bingo. 80-ball bingo is ideal for players who consider 75-ball bingo a bit traditional and 90-ball bingo a bit slow.

What are the top five most popular versions of Bingo in the US?

The top most popular bingo versions in the U.S. are 75-ball bingo, 90-ball bingo, 80-ball bingo, 30-ball bingo, and 50-ball bingo. 75-ball bingo is however the most common variation of bingo in the U.S.

Examples of this bingo version include Bounce’T Bingo, Deal or No Deal Bingo 75, and Spirit Twister Bingo. The 90-ball features games like Age of the Gods Bingo, Bingo Boom, Britain’s Got Talent Bingo, and Coronation Street Bingo.

Site Options

What are the Best Online Bingo Casinos in the US?

Although online bingo is illegal in most states in the U.S., there are still several offshore bingo sites that offer their services to players in the country. These sites are not licensed and regulated by state gaming authorities.

Bingo players may be exposed to several risks when playing at these bingo sites. Notwithstanding, several reputable online bingo platforms in the U.S. offer free online bingo games. These bingo sites are legitimate since they do not make money from these games and are not violating the law.

Some of the best online bingo casinos in the U.S. include:

Bingo Fest

This online casino offers different varieties of bingo games to U.S. players. It has amazing features, including generous welcome bonuses, a wide array of banking options, and 24/7 customer support. Aside from bingo, the site features other online casino games like slots, video poker, and Keno.

Bingo Spirit

This casino is popular for its excellent cash tournaments, bingo titles, generous welcome bonuses, and free spins. New users have access to three different welcome offers, including a deposit match of up to 600% and free spins. The casino also has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.

Cyber Bingo

Cyber bingo is a reputable online casino that offers exciting bingo bonuses, VIP tournaments, and rewards. The casino features different virtual bingo games, including progressive jackpots. It has different banking options, as well as robust customer service available via e-mail and live chat.

Cafe Casino

This casino is popular for its different varieties of 90 ball titles, as well as its amazing bonuses and promotions. It offers new players a welcome bonus of up to $1,500 and free play options. Cafe Casino also has a mobile app that is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It has an excellent loyalty program that allows you to earn points that you can redeem for cash bonuses.

Bovada

Bovada is an excellent destination for any bingo player across the country. It offers different virtual bingo games and progressive jackpots. The casino also features a generous welcome bonus, live dealer play, and the best free online bingo games. In addition, players have access to user-friendly banking options and top-notch customer service.

How can I find the best Bingo sites in the US?

Choosing the right online bingo site is important as it heavily impacts your overall gaming experience. There are several factors to consider when choosing an online bingo site to play at. Some of these factors include:

Reputation

Before choosing a real money bingo website, you should do some research and read customer reviews about the casino's reputation. Make sure you pick a bingo site that is safe and trustworthy. The site must have a good reputation for paying out winnings on time and for protecting your personal data. It is important to research the licensing status of the bingo site and ensure it is regulated by the state's gaming authority.

Banking Options

Another factor to consider when choosing a real money bingo site is the availability of different banking options. A good online bingo site should have different payment methods that allow you to deposit and withdraw your winnings quickly. Some of these banking options include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.

Customer Support

It is important to choose an online bingo site that makes it easy to get help when you have questions or need advice. Read customer reviews and find out if the bingo site has round-the-clock customer support for players. The site's customer service should be available via phone, email, and live chat. You can visit the site and read the FAQ section to find out how to contact the casino's support team.

Variety of Games

A good online bingo site should have different variants of bingo games, including 75-ball, 90-ball, 30-ball, 80-ball, jackpots, and exciting video options. It is important to choose a site that offers your favorite online bingo games. This will give you a fun, happy, and fulfilling gaming experience.

Bonuses and Promotions

You can win bonuses and cash prizes when playing real money online bingo. Choose an online bingo site that offers bonuses like free games, cashback offers, and jackpot prizes. This will help improve your overall bingo experience.

Are there Mobile-friendly US casinos?

Yes, there are online bingo sites that offer games to both Android and Apple users. These sites provide convenience to bingo players and allow them to play from any device and any location.

Some mobile-friendly casinos in the U.S. have bingo apps that you can download from their websites or from the Apple store (if you are an Apple user). These apps contain similar features in the desktop version to give you the best mobile experience.

Some of the features contained in bingo apps include bonus offers, free spins, varieties of bingo titles, and a wide range of banking options.

Are there Mac-friendly Online US sites?

Yes, there are Mac-friendly online bingo sites in the U.S. Majority of bingo sites have developed software that allows for Mac compatibility and makes it easy for Mac users to access games from their web browsers. \
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When choosing a Mac bingo site, it is important to pick a site that is compatible with your computer. There are online bingo rooms that have a Mac client program that you can download and run from your computer. Before downloading this program, check the software’s memory and ensure your Mac can handle the hardware requirements of the program.

If you do not want to download bingo software on your Mac, you can search for bingo sites that offer a browser application where you can play bingo. Most of these sites allow Mac users to play since the bingo software can be run on the web browsers that come with the Mac computer. \

Browser-based bingo programs are more desirable because you do not have to worry about software memory or disc space. Your computer can therefore run faster when you are playing bingo games from the web browsers.

Should I stick to a 'land-based' casino for Bingo?

The answer to this depends on your preference and what is convenient for you. If you prefer playing games in a more social setting, bingo halls are much better for you. In land-based bingo venues, you can enjoy different forms of entertainment, including music, food, drinks, and even meeting up with new friends.

However, you should consider finding a bingo site if you see bingo games as a way to relax on your own. With a mobile phone or desktop and a stable connection, you can easily enjoy online bingo from the comfort of your home or any other place. All you have to do is to choose a bingo site, create an account, and log in to play your favorite games.

Moreover, most bingo sites try to provide a real-life bingo hall atmosphere by offering instant messaging, chat rooms, and forums, which you can use to interact with fellow bingo fans. These sites also have chat hosts to keep the atmosphere positive and to ensure that your questions are answered.

Another advantage of online bingo sites is that they provide generous bonuses and promotions that can be used to purchase new cards and tickets. Compared to human callers employed in bingo halls, online bingo sites make use of RNGs which allow for a faster and more efficient rate of calls. These sites also provide auto-daub options that record your winnings automatically and prevent you from missing out on any numbers.